Horsfall Campground, a favored destination for outdoor enthusiasts, is set to undergo significant improvements thanks to the Great American Outdoor Act (GAOA). The campground, located near North Bend, Oregon is temporarily closed from March 11 until today, March 14 to facilitate maintenance and repair work.
As per a Western World report, the closure marks a pivotal moment in the campground’s history, as it benefits from the Legacy Restoration Fund established by the GAOA. Passed in 2020 by the US Congress, the act aims to reduce the backlog of deferred maintenance on federal lands, significantly impacting national forests and grasslands.
Central Coast District Ranger Michele Holman expressed gratitude for the funding. Thanks to funding from the Legacy Restoration Fund, we will be able to update infrastructure at Horsfall Campground,” Holman stated. The project, in partnership with Northwest Youth Corps, focuses on enhancing the visitor experience and preserving the natural beauty of the area.
During the closure, recreation staff and Northwest Youth Corps members undertook several key projects at the campground. Efforts include replacing fire rings, repairing picnic tables, and mending fencing. These improvements are part of a broader initiative to upgrade and maintain the district’s recreational facilities.
Despite the campground’s temporary closure, the surrounding recreation areas along Horsfall Road remained open. Visitors can still enjoy Horsfall Beach Day Use, Bluebill Campground, Old Bark Road OHV Staging, and Sandtracks Day Use areas.
The GAOA’s impact extends beyond immediate repairs, with $106.2 million allocated to the Pacific Northwest Region. This funding supports a variety of maintenance and improvement projects across federal lands in the area.
Looking forward, the district has planned more maintenance activities for the spring. These include signage replacement, trail work, and campground brushing, aiming to enhance the overall visitor experience and ensure the sustainability of these cherished outdoor spaces.
As the Great American Outdoor Act continues to fuel significant improvements across the nation’s federal lands, Horsfall Campground’s enhancements stand as a testament to the act’s success. Through strategic funding and dedicated partnership, these efforts aim to preserve the natural heritage and improve outdoor recreation for future generations.
With the support of the Great American Outdoor Act, the campground is set to emerge from this brief hiatus with improved facilities and a renewed commitment to visitor satisfaction and environmental stewardship.